Zanzibar tours & travel

With endless golden beaches, crystalline blue waters and tantalising spice plantations – Zanzibar is a feast for the senses.

The island of Zanzibar may be small, but there are many ways to get lost here: amongst the ancient, cobble-stoned streets of Stone Town; in the colourful history of the people that call this paradise home; or amid the coral reefs that rival the best snorkelling destinations in the world. Take your pick, but after a day in this hidden paradise, we can promise you won’t want to be found!

Discount applies to tours departing by 31 July 2018. Discount applies to new bookings made and deposited by 31 July 2018. The discount applies to the land tour price only and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Discount does not apply to local payments, permits, additional travel arrangements, international and local airfares. For full deposit & full payment conditions, please visit www.intrepidtravel.com. All tours are subject to availability. Prices are per person based on twin share accommodation, low season. Prices, itineraries and inclusions are subject to change without notice. Standard booking conditions apply as per www.intrepidtravel.com.

Robin Woodsford

Get real about whether the trip you are looking at is realistic for you.....Africa is Africa not Europe or the USA
India is India .....
Keep it simple go lightly on the planet
Be prepared to give rather than take
It’s not about the money you have or have paid it’s about creating and experiencing relationships with other people in other cultures
Do this and you will have a blast
Having just done unforgettable India and game parks, gorillas and beaches...wow just do it and be prepared to be flexible and open minded..... just a wonderfull... a full of wonder experience!!

Review submitted 22 May 2018

Zanzibar trip reviews

Our Zanzibar trips score an average of 4.8 out of 5
based on 409 reviews in the last year.

Sail the Zanzibar archipelago:

Transport in Zanzibar

Intrepid believes half the fun of experiencing a new country is getting there, and getting around once there! Where possible, Intrepid uses local transport options and traditional modes of transport - which usually carry less of an environmental impact, support small local operators and are heaps more fun.

Depending on which trip you're on while in Zanzibar, you may find yourself travelling by:

Ferry

Take in views of the stunning East African coast while travelling to or from Dar el Salaam to Zanzibar aboard a ferry.

Dhow

Iconic and widespread on the shores of the island, nothing says ‘Zanzibar’ more than the traditional dhow: a wooden boat favoured by the locals.

Catamaran

Is there anything more luxurious than skipping along blue waters in a catamaran? Choose to explore Zanzibar on one of our sailing adventures and you’ll be doing just that.

Accommodation in Zanzibar

Travelling with Intrepid is a little bit different. We endeavour to provide travellers with an authentic experience to remember, so we try to keep accommodation as unique and traditional as possible.

When travelling with us in Zanzibar you may find yourself staying in a:

Bungalow

Roll out of bed and on to some of the best beaches in the world. Our beachside accommodation offers pristine views and the Indian Ocean breeze in your hair, bringing the best of Zanzibar right to your doorstep.

Zanzibar holiday information

At a glance

At a glance

Capital city:

Zanzibar City

Population:

1.3 million

Language:

Swahili, English, Arabic

Currency:

TZS

Time Zone:

(GMT+03:00) Zanzibar City

Electricity:

Type D (Old British 3-pin) and Type G (Irish/British 3-pin)

Dialling code:

+255

Culture and Customs

Culture and Customs

The Zanzibar archipelago is an eclectic melting pot of cultures, customs and religions. Within the streets of Stone Town, you’ll find mosques and churches standing literally side by side. While Zanzibar is a primarily Muslim region, it shares a history of cultural influences that spread as far wide as the Middle East, India and ancient Persia. Previously a protectorate of Britain and officially a part of Tanzania since 1964, the archipelago has a long history of bureaucratic changes and tensions.

Currently, the population of Zanzibar is largely divided. Many still champion for independence from Tanzania and seek to have Zanzibar declared its own country. Despite their political differences, the discussion remains respectful between the locals. You are just as likely to see them passionately debating politics in town centres as you are to see tropical fruit farmers hawking their produce roadside all around the islands. But one thing everyone in Zanzibar has in common is their love of soccer. Head to any beach in the late afternoon and you are almost guaranteed to witness the locals coming together for a friendly game of beach soccer.

Eating and drinking

Eating and drinking

The variety of food in Zanzibar rivals anywhere in the world. It owes this entirely to its geography: being at the crossroads of ancient trade routes, the locals have picked up a thing or two about worldly cuisines. Whether it is yam and plantain-based dishes from the Bantu peoples of Eastern Africa, Indian inspired masala curries featuring many of the spices the island is famous for, or the sweet date and hazelnut bread is traditionally eaten to celebrate the end of Ramadan – you will be spoiled for choices to fill your plate! Unsurprisingly for an island, seafood takes pride of place in Zanzibar and seafood lovers will rejoice at the wide range of dishes available at restaurants and markets.

An absolute must for anyone visiting Stone Town is the Forodhani night market. As soon as the sun sets each night, beachside Forodhani Park transforms into an open-air food market filled will vendors tempting you to try their dishes. Our pick is the Zanzibar pizza – filled with whatever fresh ingredients take your fancy at the time. Wash it all down with fresh coconut juice (direct from the coconut of course!)

Perhaps the most famous export from Zanzibar is its spices, including pepper, cinnamon and ginger to name a few. Visit a spice plantation to sample countless types of spices directly from the source. Don’t forget to pick up a selection from the local markets before you leave.

Zanzibar has a large Muslim population, so bear in mind that Ramadan is the fasting month for all Muslims. During this month, no food, drink or smoking is permitted during daylight hours. While non-Muslims aren't expected to fast, it's recommended to try to avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public during daylight hours.

Must-try foods in Zanzibar:

1. Pweza wa nazi

2. Barbecued lobster

Enjoy a lobster grilled to perfection at one of the many beachside eateries around the island.

3. Spice cake

A typical local dessert made using pastry with a mix of cinnamon, clove, nutmeg and chocolate.

Geography and Environment

Geography and Environment

Zanzibar is an island province of Tanzania located off the coast of East Africa. Surrounded by the Indian Ocean on all fronts, it is covered mostly in lush rainforest and encircled by white beaches and coral reefs.

Zanzibar is actually an archipelago made up of many small islands and two prominent, main ones: Pemba Island and Unguja Island – the largest, often mistaken as ‘Zanzibar Island’, where the majority of the province’s population lives.

Shopping

Shopping

While there are various swanky stores in main hubs like Stone Town, specialising inexpensive trinkets and homewares, you simply can’t visit Zanzibar and not take an afternoon stroll through one of its lively, colourful markets. Lose yourself amongst the hustle of Darajini market in Stone Town, where you will find stores piled high with spices, vegetables, fabrics and dried snacks. The market is so jam-packed, stores often spill out into the tiny laneways nearby.

Things to buy in Zanzibar

1. Spices

Don’t leave the island without purchasing a selection of the many spices still grown on plantations today. Pepper, cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg are among the islands’ specialities. But you can find almost every type of spice imaginable here!

2. Woven handicrafts

Pick up a handmade ukili bag, placemat, rug or even a sun hat. The locals have perfected this handicraft and are widely available throughout Zanzibar. A great way to support local initiatives and talent.

Festivals and events in Zanzibar

Festivals and events in Zanzibar

Festival of the Dhow Countries

The highlight of the Zanzibar International Film Festival, the Festival of the Dhow Countries is a cultural celebration of international film, music, theatre and performing arts. One of the biggest annual cultural festivals in Africa, it takes place over the first two weeks of July. Film screenings, exhibitions and craft classes are on offer during the day, while at night beach parties are a fun way to interact with locals.

Sauti Za Busara Festival

If you are lucky enough to visit Stone Town in early February you’ll be treated to a hypnotising swell of Swahili music and dance during this vibrant celebration of East African culture. The festival concludes with a beachside festival of crafts, cuisine and entertainment.

Further readings

Further readings

Title

Author

By the Sea

Abdulrazak Gurnah

Memoirs of an Arabian Princess from Zanzibar

Emily Ruete

Trade Wind

M. M. Kaye

The Sultan’s Shadow

Christiane Bird

Zanzibar Under Colonial Rule

Adbdul Sheriff

Zanzibar travel FAQs

Yes. A visa is required for most nationalities for Tanzania. Be sure to check the latest requirements with your closest Tanzania Embassy or Consulate.

It is recommended you purchase visas in advance at any Diplomatic or Consulate Mission of the United Republic of Tanzania abroad. The cost is approximately USD 100 depending on nationality. At the present time you do not require a multi entry visa to visit Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda due to an agreement between the three countries (i.e. if you exit Kenya to Tanzania you can re-enter Kenya on the same visa). However, if your trip returns to Tanzania after a visit to a country other than those listed above, you may need to purchase two visas.

It is also possible to obtain a tourist visa for a single entry at any one of the following main entry points to Tanzania, subject to the fulfilment of all immigration and health requirements and approximately USD 50 fee.

Tipping isn’t mandatory in Zanzibar but a little generosity will be received positively, especially when considering the low wages that service workers are typically paid in Zanzibar. Setting aside a small amount for porters, guides and drivers is wise, as is leaving spare change or rounding up the bill at restaurants.

Western-style flushable toilets are generally available in most hotels, tourist attractions and other modern buildings in Zanzibar. However, in rural areas squat/pit toilets are the general standard for local amenities. Carry your own supply of soap and toilet paper as these are rarely provided.

Drinking tap water isn't recommended in Zanzibar. For environmental reasons, try to avoid buying bottled water. Instead, fill a reusable water bottle or canteen with filtered water. Ask your leader where filtered water can be found; some hotels we stay in may have drinking water available. It's also advisable to avoid ice in drinks and peel fruit and vegetables before eating.

ATMs are easily found in urban centres such as Stone Town but are rarer in rural areas and villages. Be sure to have other payment methods available when venturing out of the built up areas as ATMs aren't always an option.

Absolutely. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

Tanzania is a conservative country and homosexuality is still officially illegal, including in Zanzibar. While prosecutions might be rare, penalties can be severe with potential imprisonment as punishment. For this reason, public displays of affection (even between members of the opposite sex) is considered taboo and not advised.
For more detailed and up-to-date advice, we recommend visiting Equaldex or Smartraveller before you travel.

Responsible Travel

Intrepid is committed to travelling in a way that is respectful of local people, their culture, local economies and the environment. It's important to remember that what may be acceptable behaviour, dress and language in your own country, may not be appropriate in another. Please keep this in mind while travelling.

• Be considerate of Zanzibar’s customs, traditions, religions and culture.
• Dress modestly and respectfully. Shoulders to knees should be covered, especially when entering places of worship.
• Help protect endangered species by choosing not to buy ivory, coral or animal products.
• For environmental reasons, try to avoid buying bottled water. Fill a reusable water bottle or canteen with filtered water instead.
• Always dispose of litter thoughtfully, including cigarette butts.
• When bargaining at markets, stay calm, be reasonable and keep a smile on your face. It's meant to be fun!
• Learn some local language and don't be afraid to use it - simple greetings will help break the ice.
• Shop for locally made products. Supporting local artisans helps keep traditional crafts alive.
• Refrain from supporting businesses that exploit or abuse endangered animals.
• Please ask and receive permission before taking photos of people, including children.
• When on community visits or homestays, refrain from giving gifts or money to locals.